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Friday, March 29, 2024

2 telcos join forces in reforestation efforts

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Two telecommunications company—one from Singapore, another from the Philippines—banded together to plant trees in widely deforested areas in Iba, Zambales. 

Volunteers learn how to make usable stone sculptures from lahar rocks, as well as plates and baskets by weaving Nito vines.

The group of six Singtel, a telco from Singapore, and 13 Globe volunteers went to Iba Botanicals eco-village in Iba, Zambales to plant Acacia, Kakawati, Langka, and Kasuy. 

Iba Botanicals is the operational partner of The Mead Foundation. It provides crucial project management and operational oversight activities for all reforestation and environment-related projects happening in and for the municipality. 

Globe and The Mead Foundation, which is a non-profit organization, share a common goal with regard to “rainforestation.” The foundation has been working closely with the Aetas of Zambales to help replant trees in the province’s bare forest areas, and provide livelihood opportunities to the community members.

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“We are happy to partner with The Mead Foundation and for the opportunity for Globe and Singtel volunteers to be part of this journey where they can help with environmental sustainability while getting to know the indigenous communities,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe chief sustainability officer and senior vice president for corporate communications.

Crisanto added, “By investing on environmental protection and partnering with various organizations, particularly on reforestation programs, we hope to do our share in mitigating the drastic effects of climate change,”

 Ben Mead, executive director of The Mead Foundation, affirms that the “partnership is aligned with our goal for impactful, sustainable efforts that provide transformational change, conservation of the environment, and sustainable development. 

Aside from tree-planting, the volunteers conducted a Brigada Eskwela activity at the ADBSA Aeta School (Jesmag Iba) in Tambac, Palanginan, Iba, Zambales.

Globe and Singtel Volunteers team up to plant different species of indigenous trees at the Vetiver terraces in Iba, Zambales.

The volunteers also learned bamboo bag and basket weaving, and lahar pottery-making—two of the most popular sources of livelihood among Aetas that help sustain their families and the entire community. 

“This program made me realize that this country can be a better place for the tourists and the community,” said Charles Diomampo, a Globe volunteer.

Meanwhile, Singtel volunteer Ronnie Bin Shani shared, “It’s a very eye-opening experience and heartwarming to be part of this program, knowing that our efforts can have a long-lasting impact on the community.”

Globe and Singtel Group share a common vision to empower communities, especially the marginalized ones, by creating platforms that will fulfill their potential, ensure their security, and integrate them with society. 

Since 2011, Globe has been bringing in volunteers from Singtel and other Group affiliates to support local communities in the Philippines, especially those which are disadvantaged. Activities include building homes, painting and repairing schools under Brigada Eskwela, cleaning up coastal areas, teaching sports to children, and promoting digital citizenship, among others. 

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